The difference between 03,04,05,06 forks?

By razmy72, Posted June 26, 2006

The difference between 03,04,05,06 forks? Can someone pls enlighten me on the differences? The size, clamps, fork guards? Coz I'm setting up my front end again and would like to know which can be fix with which..

They are all pretty much interchangeable if you swap triples and guards.

03- 46mm single camber fork

04 - 48mm single chamber fork

05 - 48mm TC fork, position sensitive valving

06 - 48mm TC fork, Speed sensitive valving. also the clamps are 2mm wider than 06 for more stability. thus spacers and axles correspond for that

the 05 and 06 forks are totally different internally. The SSS fork on the 06 absorbs the little stuff way better than the 05.

By grayracer513, Posted June 26, 2006

03- 46mm single camber fork

04 - 48mm single chamber fork

05 - 48mm TC fork, position sensitive valving

06 - 48mm TC fork, Speed sensitive valving. also the clamps are 2mm wider than 06 for more stability. thus spacers and axles correspond for that

the 05 and 06 forks are totally different internally. The SSS fork on the 06 absorbs the little stuff way better than the 05.

That's right. They're 4 different forks, each a significant improvement over the previous version. The '06 is unbelievably good.

The '04/'05 can be used in the same triple clamps, and either can be installed on an '03 by swapping a clamp set from an '04/'05. But although the '06 sets 2mm wider, it nevertheless uses the same wheel, axle and spacers by moving the axle lugs inboard 1mm on each side. They're not interchangeable without their triple clamps. I'm also not sure as to the stem dimensions on the '06.

By Wheel, Posted June 26, 2006

You can use 04-05 forks on 06 clamps with no modifications. Only the left (brake side) fork aligns the front wheel, and having the wheel offset only 1 mm causes no problems with the front brake. If you don't feel comfortable with this, you could install a 1mm thick washer between the fork and spacer on the brake side.

By barch88, Posted June 26, 2006

What kind of triple clamps would you buy for a 06 then, if you bought aftermarket? Would any work?

By Matt96xr6, Posted June 27, 2006

What kind of triple clamps would you buy for a 06 then, if you bought aftermarket? Would any work?

applied makes special clamps with a bit different rake and 27mm offset to help turning

By grayracer513, Posted June 27, 2006

You can use 04-05 forks on 06 clamps with no modifications. Only the left (brake side) fork aligns the front wheel, and having the wheel offset only 1 mm causes no problems with the front brake. If you don't feel comfortable with this, you could install a 1mm thick washer between the fork and spacer on the brake side.

True enough, but you'd be better off re-centering the wheel with the spokes. And I have to ask, why on Earth would you want to take such a giant step backwards? If you feel that the earlier fork is better, can I have your '06's?

applied makes special clamps with a bit different rake and 27mm offset to help turning

They do, but they don't change the rake, only the trail (by adding offset), and while these appear to work well with the '06 YZ250F, opinions of them are not as universally positive when installed on an '06 YZ450. Some like the stock offset better. Personally, as good as the bike works already, you'd have to pay me to try them.

By kid on a 426, Posted June 27, 2006

Would it be possible to put 450 forks on my bike with using the same year triple clamps as the forks?

By grayracer513, Posted June 27, 2006

The '03 fork will go right in your clamps, but they aren't much different than yours. If a set of later clamps can be used on your frame (perhaps by swapping the steering stem) later forks would be more worthwhile.

By Wheel, Posted June 27, 2006

We ran 05 suspension on an 06 450F for the later rounds of the AMA Toyota Arenacross series. In our case, we already had the older suspension setup for this purpose, so we just swapped and ran it. In my opinion, there is no disadvantage to the older suspension for this purpose, and in fact, the champion of the series, Chad Johnson, was running 05 suspension on his YZ250. His mechanic, Junior Jackson, felt the 05 suspension was better suited for this specialized purpose. Personally, I believe the main reason was that the new bikes were not released in time to setup and test the new suspension.

No, you cannot have the 06 suspension. It is back on the bike.

By Matt96xr6, Posted June 27, 2006

We ran 05 suspension on an 06 450F for the later rounds of the AMA Toyota Arenacross series. In our case, we already had the older suspension setup for this purpose, so we just swapped and ran it. In my opinion, there is no disadvantage to the older suspension for this purpose, and in fact, the champion of the series, Chad Johnson, was running 05 suspension on his YZ250. His mechanic, Junior Jackson, felt the 05 suspension was better suited for this specialized purpose. Personally, I believe the main reason was that the new bikes were not released in time to setup and test the new suspension.

No, you cannot have the 06 suspension. It is back on the bike.

Okay, there is one difference in the 05 bikes. only the YZ250 got a bit different forks than the 125 and the 250F 450F. DO a search for it. It is a passive bleed system in the fork.

Now just hitting large jumps, just about anything valved for it will work. But like outdoors where you get braking bumps, acceleration bumps and constant track changes all day long, the 06 stuff is way superior. Indoors on groomed stuff, yeah the 05 is great.

By Wheel, Posted June 27, 2006

I agree.

By GreenKLX, Posted July 10, 2006

The '03 fork will go right in your clamps, but they aren't much different than yours. If a set of later clamps can be used on your frame (perhaps by swapping the steering stem) later forks would be more worthwhile

Does anyone know for sure if the '04-'05 clamps and stem will bolt up to the 426? How about shocks? Any big changes since 2001? Anyone know if they are interchangeable?

By barch88, Posted July 10, 2006

We ran 05 suspension on an 06 450F for the later rounds of the AMA Toyota Arenacross series. In our case, we already had the older suspension setup for this purpose, so we just swapped and ran it. In my opinion, there is no disadvantage to the older suspension for this purpose, and in fact, the champion of the series, Chad Johnson, was running 05 suspension on his YZ250. His mechanic, Junior Jackson, felt the 05 suspension was better suited for this specialized purpose. Personally, I believe the main reason was that the new bikes were not released in time to setup and test the new suspension.

No, you cannot have the 06 suspension. It is back on the bike.

I thought the 06 had special triple clamps that only the 06 forks would fit in...if so, how did the 05 ones fit?

By grayracer513, Posted July 10, 2006

The '06 clamps are 2mm wider center to center. This is made up for by moving the axle lug on each fork leg inboard 1mm, and the '06 then uses the same wheel/axle/spacing as the earlier years.

Using '04 or '05 forks in '06 clamps results in the wheel being 1mm off center to the left. This can be made up for either by using a 1mm (.040") washer between the left fork lug and the wheel, or by re-centering the rim with the spokes.

By barch88, Posted July 10, 2006

The '06 clamps are 2mm wider center to center. This is made up for by moving the axle lug on each fork leg inboard 1mm, and the '06 then uses the same wheel/axle/spacing as the earlier years.

Using '04 or '05 forks in '06 clamps results in the wheel being 1mm off center to the left. This can be made up for either by using a 1mm (.040") washer between the left fork lug and the wheel, or by re-centering the rim with the spokes.

Thanks for clearing that up for me! What if I had to replace the stock triple clamps, or wanted aftermarket one's, just going out on a limb here, I don't need to, nor do I want to...but IF I wanted or needed to, what would I do, do companies sell them special for the 06 YZF?

By GreenKLX, Posted August 2, 2006

Does anyone know for sure if the '04-'05 clamps and stem will bolt up to the 426?

Worked like a charm, everything bolted up real nice, and I was able to re-use the 426 front brake setup, axle, and brake line guard.

Now I am just waiting on graphics and then I will post pics of my "poor man's" 450.

Sign in

Similar Content

Alright so I’m new to the site so maybe this question has already been asked. I have a 2002 Yz426f and I want a new exhaust, it has the stock header and silencer and sounds amazing but I’d like a little more from it, I know I want the fmf power bomb header and am kind of undecided on the silencer, I see on fmf’s website that their silencer will add low end and slightly take from top end and the other way around but I’m looking for increases throughout rpm range. I do a lot of trail, hill climbs, jumps, and wheelies so kind of need good performance everywhere in the rpms. My question is what silencer I should get and the jetting I should get for the carb. Thanks

hey guys just picked up a new project bike. Its a 2008 Yz450f with a big bore kit and a stroker crank. The total cc of the engine is now 499. It runs on race gas and will be an absolute monster when shes ready to rip. I will continue to make more videos on the bike so stay tuned Link to the video:

Ok. Last fall after a decently hot day at the track, I noticed coolant leaking from the weep hole on my water pump after pulling into the pits. Ordered an Athena re-seal kit, put it all back together and didn't really get a chance to ride it. 3 weeks ago, went out to the track, and after about 20 laps, it started leaking again. Kept filling it with water to get thru the day, never ran anywhere close to dry or empty, jut a cup or 2 low. Ordered a Hot Rods re-seal kit with bearing and also ordered a new w/p shaft. Did it all again and got it back together, ran it, and as soon as it got to temp, it was leaking out of the weep hole again.

So, what the heck am I missing? I'm totally stumped on this one. Is something wrong with my case cover? Do I need to replace the w/p itself? I'm feeling like I should've just ponied up for the Boysen in the first place, and now it's biting me in the butt. Any help or suggestions is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Alright guys, my 04 YZ450f runs fine minus some slight backfires when decelerating (need to adjust fuel screw). The other day when I was done checking my valve clearances I changed the oil and filter and put the bike back on the stand, kicked it a few times without the ignition coil in to get some oil flowing got off and noticed a little drip spot on the ground, it was no bigger than a dime so I thought nothing of it. Started the bike with no issues took it for a quick 10-15 min ride, came back to the garage to find out my whole case was soaked with oil and it started pooling in the low spots on the clutch basket side. I cleaned all the oil off and took it out again for 5 mins to try and see where it was coming from, here are my three possible places but nothing directly leads me to believe it’s any of the three either.
1. Decompression plug area
2. Valve cover gasket leak (not really sure because the amount of oil leaking Looks to be a large amount
3. Oil tank (bad weld or cracked weld somewhere
what are you guys thinking?

Hey guys. I could really use your help diagnosing an issue that came up riding today. Bike is a 2013 YZ450F. Well maintained and haven't had any issues until now. Both the oil and coolant are new and levels are to spec.
Issue
After riding for about an hour in the sand dunes, I noticed a grinding going on on the right side of the bottom end (from what I could tell). When I looked to see what was going on my kickstarter was vibrating and grinding really loud. This was a different sound than if you engaged the kickstarter while running. It sounded less "clanky" and more "vibrating/grinding" if that makes sense. Grabbing the kickstarter and moving it didn't help the issue.
When I noticed it, I shut the bike off and gave it a second. Being a few miles deep into the dunes, I had to get it out of there so I started it back up and it seemed fine- no grinding. I headed back to the car and after a few minutes, it came back so I shut it off again, started it back up and nothing. That process happened one or two more times before I made it back to the truck. Seemed to run fine otherwise.
Once I got it back to the truck I started it up and tried to pay more attention to what was going on but it wasn't doing it. I did seem to have more of a metal on metal noise coming from the motor. I started and stopped the bike a few times and after the motor stopped there was a distinct metal clank/grinding noise that happened right after the motor shut of for maybe half a second. This doesn't happen every time.
I tried doing some research and have seen things that make me think it could be the spring that connects to the kickstarter, or the kickstarter stopper plate- but really I have no idea.